Dowling donation of property will create Hawaiian cultural preserve

The University of Hawaiʻi has received a donation of real estate on theisland of Maui from UH Regent Everett Dowling's development company, PalauʻeaInvestors LLC.

The company recently received approval to develop a residential subdivisionmauka of the southern Maui shoreline at Palauʻea Beach. The planincludes a donation to the university of more than 20 acres adjacent tothe subdivision to be established as a Hawaiian cultural preserve.

University of Hawaiʻi President Kenneth P. Mortimer announced the giftat this morning's meeting of the UH Board of Regents.

"As it is proposed now," President Mortimer said, "thisarea is to be protected and maintained as a significant archeological andeducational resource for the university. It will be jointly managed bythe UH Manoa Center for Hawaiian Studies and Department of Anthropologyand Maui Community College."

Archeologists and scholars identify the Palauʻea site as being perhapsthe single most significant site in south Maui. Since the early 1970s expertshave known about archeological sites there consisting of 269 features datingback some 250 to 500 years. Virtually all of the identified features arelocated within the preserve site.

The university will take the initial steps of establishing an advisoryboard to include members of the community and native Hawaiian organizations. A cultural resources management plan will be developed, and educationalprograms will follow.

Maui Community College will take the lead among UH programs in stewardshipof the property. MCC Provost Clyde Sakamoto notes, "The proposed projectat Palauʻea will provide a rich learning opportunity, a gateway into ourpast with an acknowledged historical legacy dating back hundreds of years. It has broad community support, and we look at this as a significant assetnot only for the university, but also for Maui County and the state."

"We are grateful to Regent Dowling," president Mortimer added,"for this exceptional measure of support and this wonderful opportunityto preserve the area for generations to come."

As envisioned in its final state, the preserve will include cultural,historical, educational and interpretive facilities, native Hawaiian botanicalgardens, and other features that will make it a true community and universityresource. A provision in the gift sets aside funds to construct three buildingsat the site - a caretaker's cottage, a garage and a research building. The gift is valued at $2 million, based on the appraised value of the landand the estimated cost of building construction.

Palauʻea Investors LLC is a partnership between Steve Goodfellow andEverett Dowling, President of the Dowling Company, Inc.